UPDATED 4:09 p.m.
Multiple sources have confirmed that federal agents seized a computer at the Columbus County Board of Elections this morning (Tuesday).
The computer hard drive was taken from the workspace formerly used by Carla Strickland, who retired in December, saying she is 100 percent disabled. Strickland then asked to rescind her resignation. The board refused to rehire Strickland, who has since filed a claim with the state claiming discrimination.
Before her last day, Strickland reportedly returned to the office and asked an employee to help her carry a box that included the hard drive to her private vehicle. She later returned the hard drive, sources said.
County Manager Eddie Madden, County Staff Attorney Amanda Prince, elections board members and local law enforcement refused comment. State Board of Elections spokesman Patrick Gannon did not immediately return a request for comment.
County Attorney Boyd Worley said “The equipment was voluntarily provided to the FBI for review as part of a personnel matter.
“The County and State Board of Elections do not believe there are any concerns related to elections or voting systems,” Worley said in an email. “Again, this is a personnel matter and we cannot provide additional information at this time.”
This is a developing story.
